South African news today: Your headlines in five minutes for Friday 30 November

Jacob Zuma is back on trial in Pietermaritzburg for corruption, in what is shaping up to be a hectic South African news today round-up.

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 08: Former president Jacob Zuma during his appearance at the Durban High Court, where he faces corruption charges on June 08, 2018 in Durban, South Africa. Addressing his supporters outside court, Zuma threatened to expose those who provoke him. His case was postponed to July 27, 2018. (Photo by Gallo Images / Netwerk24 / Felix Dlangamandla)

It’s a blockbuster end to the week for the South African news today round-up, as we look ahead to Jacob Zuma’s return to court on Friday and follow all the latest developments from the Dubai Sevens.

South African news today, Friday 30 November

Jacob Zuma returns to court

Of course, there really is only one place to start: Jacob Zuma is in Pietermaritzburg as the resumption of his corruption trial will have us all gripped. He’s in the dock for trying to facilitate an illicit arms deal with French company Thales. Here’s some essential reading ahead of his appearance:

Dubai Sevens latest

We’ve got the Rugby Sevens Championship coming to Cape Town next month, but the season is already underway in Dubai. South Africa begin their campaign at precisely 8:52 this morning, when they take on Zimbabwe. You can follow all the action with our live blog.

Beyonce is here!

South Africa is collectively trying not to mess itself with excitement, and failing miserably. Bey touched down at Lanseria on Thursday evening and was greeted by a crowd of cheering fans. We’ve waited 14 years for Queen B to return to these shores.

Ramaphosa on Moyane

Meanwhile, we’ve seen Cyril stick the boot into disgraced former tax commissioner Tom Moyane. After the former SARS supremo failed to overturn his dismissal from the firm, the president has had his say about the whole affair – branding Moyane as “unfit for office”. [Read more: BusinessLive]

Malusi Gigaba implicated at state capture inquiry

The testimony against Malusi Gigaba on Thursday was one spicy affair. Ex SAA Chair Cheryl Carolus accused him of lying about his motivations for trying to get the SOE to give up their Johannesburg to Mumbai route, so Gupta-linked Jet Airways could dominate the market instead.

Dollar to rand exchange rate for 30 November

The rand is looking sharp on Friday morning, gaining on the dollar after a steady and sure week. ZAR is now trading at R13.67 to the greenback